Region unites against metal theft
Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Two teenagers were arrested during a week of action across the East Midlands to reduce metal theft.
The region’s five forces (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire), along with their partners in local authorities and industry, liaised via a central control room at Newark Police Station.
Between Monday 24 September 2012 and Friday 28 September 2012, 63 scrap metal dealerships were visited by officers and representatives from the likes of British Telecom, Western Power and British Rail. Suspected stolen material, including power and telecoms cable, road signage and lead was retained at nine sites to be examined to establish its origins.
During roadside checks across the region, 247 vehicles were stopped, with 19 vehicles seized for being unroadworthy or the driver lacking valid insurance.
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 19, were arrested during a vehicle check in Gypsy Lane, Derbyshire, for possession of an offensive weapon. The 15-year-old was released without further action and the 19-year-old was given a caution.
Nineteen motorists were also fined for not having the appropriate licence to carry scrap metal and waste.
The Department for Work and Pensions are also investigating benefits claims being made by 31 people, who were stopped as part of the operation.
DS Rob Lloyd, of Nottinghamshire Police’s metal theft reduction team, said: “By working together on ad hoc operations like this we are keeping criminals across the East Midlands on their toes, as well as those who think they can come into our region and offend; the message being that no time or place is safe here to commit crime.
“By removing defective or uninsured cars from the road we are potentially denying thieves of their means of committing these offences and reducing the risk of a future collision or uninsured loss to a member of the public.
“Fining motorists for illegally carrying waste means we then have them on our books. This will deter those involved in the movement of stolen metal to stop and in turn reduce incidents of theft in the first place.
“If the 31 stopped and identified by the DWP as claiming benefit, are found to be doing so fraudulently this will save taxpayers something in the region of £3,000 each week.”
If you have any information about metal thieves or those who handle stolen goods contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Message sent by
Jason Crofts (Police, PC 1146, West Bassetlaw, East Bassetlaw & Sherwood)